Cummings goes on the offensive in 17th District

Republican congressional candidate Laureen Cummings has fired her first major shot at Democrat Matt Cartwright, saying he’s out of touch with working class residents in the 17th District.

Cummings issued a new release Monday criticizing Cartwright for a fundraising event June 8 with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The minimum suggested donation for guests is $1,000, and a photo with Pelosi cost $2,500.

“The $1,000 ticket price is far beyond the reach of most of us,” Cummings said in the release. “Asking $2,500 for a picture with Nancy Pelosi is insult bordering on arrogance.”

Cummings also questioned whether Cartwright can truly oppose abortion if he is appearing with Pelosi, who voted against banning partial-birth abortions. Cartwright’s campaign manager, Shane Seaver, declined to respond to Cummings’ release.

Cartwright has previously said Pelosi, who is still House Minority Leader, called him and offered to do the fundraiser because she knew he would be in town. He said he doesn’t agree with her on a lot of issues, including abortion, but intends to be as close a friend to her as he can.

Cartwright, a Scranton-based attorney, and Cummings, a nurse and small business owner from Old Forge, Lackawanna County, are vying to represent the new 17th District, which includes Easton and parts of Northampton County.

Cummings, who was unopposed in the Republican primary, has campaigned quietly throughout the spring while Cartwright was embroiled in a battle with incumbent Tim Holden, the current dean of Pennsylvania’s delegation.